Tocopherol

Also known as: Vitamin E

INCI: Tocopherol | Function: Antioxidant | Type: Fat-soluble vitamin (antioxidant group)

What Is Tocopherol?

Tocopherol is the natural form of Vitamin E, a fat-soluble antioxidant found in human sebum. It protects cell membranes from oxidative damage and stabilizes other ingredients like Vitamin C and retinol.

Key Skin Benefits

+ Neutralizes free radicals — prevents collagen/elastin degradation
+ Strengthens skin barrier — reduces TEWL
+ Anti-inflammatory — soothes redness and irritation
+ Stabilizes unstable ingredients

Pros

+ Naturally found in skin sebum — high biocompatibility
+ Potent antioxidant, well-researched
+ Generally well-tolerated at low concentrations

Cons

− Oxidizes easily — poor packaging turns it pro-oxidant
− High concentrations (5%+) may cause irritation

Specifications

Property	Value
Usage Areas	Face, Eye, Body
Product Type	Leave-On, Rinse-Off
Source	Plant
Natural Level	Natural-derived

Safety Ratings

Metric	Rating
Skin Sensitivity	1/5 (very low)
Comedogenic Rating	0-1/5
EWG Score	2/10

Regional Regulatory Limits

Region	Leave-on %	Rinse-off %	Status
EU (CosIng)	No limit	No limit	Allowed
US (CIR/FDA)	No limit	No limit	Allowed
Japan (MHLW)	No limit	No limit	Allowed
ASEAN	No limit	No limit	Allowed
China (NMPA)	No limit	No limit	Allowed

Typical Usage % by Product Type

Product Type	Typical %
Antioxidant serum	0.5 - 2%
Moisturizer	0.5 - 2%
Body lotion	0.1 - 0.5%

References

CIR (2002) — Safety Assessment. PMID: 12537931
EWG Skin Deep — Score 2

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